The Woman with the Basset
- Original dimensions
- 52 x 61 cm
- Museum
- Not specified
- Year
- 1912
Scene depicted
This canvas depicts a seated woman, a basset at her feet, symbolizing the serenity of everyday life. Through its composition, Bonnard captures a fleeting moment, the sweetness of domestic escape, where the affection between human and animal resonates deeply, celebrating the simple pleasures of life.
Historical context
Painted in 1912, The Woman with the Basset is much more than a simple painting : it is the expression of a vibrant era, rooted in the post-impressionist movement, where Pierre Bonnard explores the subtleties of light and color. This canvas , now carefully preserved in private collections, illustrates the sweet and intimate life of early 20th century Paris, a bustling artistic home of creativity.
Place in the artist's career
The Woman with the Basset is at the heart of Bonnard's artistic journey, marking a turning point in his quest to express inner lights. In parallel with his iconic works such as "The Water Lilies" and "The Terrace at Vernon," this canvas testifies to a stylistic evolution towards more intimate and colorful forms.
Anecdote
"I capture light to evoke the soul of my subjects," said Bonnard. It was on a peaceful spring morning, as he observed his companion and her basset, that the idea for this masterpiece materialized. This tender memory is embodied in every stroke of the painting , making it vibrant with emotion.